Tehran, 2007 Sep 4, IRNA
NAM said on Tuesday that dialogue and cooperation are essential for enriching the universality of human rights.
In a 45-point declaration issued at the end of the Non-Aligned Movement's Ministerial Meeting on Human Rights and Cultural Diversity, NAM raised its reaffirmation that equitable and mutual respectful dialogue among and between cultures and civilizations including in the field of human rights, would facilitate the promotion of a culture of tolerance and respect for diversity and contribute greatly to the enhancement of international cooperation in that field.
The document reaffirmed the commitment of international community to promote international cooperation, as set forth in the Charter of the United Nations, in particular Article 1, Paragraph 3, as well as the relevant provisions of the Vienna Declaration and Program of Action adopted by the World Conference on Human Rights on June 25, 1993 for enhancing genuine cooperation among member states in the field of human rights.
It called upon all states, relevant international organizations and non-governmental organizations to support and embark on intercultural initiatives on human rights in order to promote the common understanding of the human rights standards, thus enriching the universality of human rights.
It reiterated that all human rights are equal and that the exercise of any right should not be at the expense of the enjoyment of other rights.
Elsewhere, the declaration stressed raising awareness and understanding benefits of cultural diversity.
The 22nd point reads: "(NAM) agreed that education is the best tool to raise understanding of cultural differences and to foster respect for cultural diversity."
The 23rd point called on all countries to design and implement policies whereby educational systems proclaim the principles of tolerance, respect for others and cultural diversity.
It call on all the international community members to promote through education an awareness of the positive value of cultural diversity and improve to this end both curriculum design and teacher education.
The Movement urged states, as appropriate in cooperation with relevant organizations, including youth organizations, to support and implement public formal and non-formal education programs designed to promote respect for cultural diversity.
Highlighting the role of media, it stressed the need for utilizing communication technologies, including audio, video, printed press, multimedia and the internet, to disseminate the message of dialogue and understanding throughout the globe and depict and publicize historical stances of constructive interaction among different cultures and civilizations.
It underlined the need to development a universal strategy to promote responsibility, ethical and professional conduct, in the media and the professional press and their activities, which in turn will contribute to a genuine mutual respect in human interactions.
The declaration also lauded the role of academia, cultural institutes and activities, the UN, international organizations and civil society in the related field.
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